Funeral services will be Monday, July 13, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Staples with Rev. Muriel Hachfeld officiating. Visitations are Sunday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples. Burial will be in the Evergreen Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

Donald was born July 12, 1931 in Staples, to Conrad and Viola (Lehmann) Kozitka. After his schooling he entered the U.S. Army serving his country in Quam and Korea, where he earned the Bronze Star during the Korean War.  

Returning to Minnesota Don worked for a variety of companies including the Ford Plant, a paper plant in St. Paul and then Burlington Northern Railroad until his retirements. He enjoyed working with wood and especially loved to be with his children and grandchildren camping and fishing.  

Don is survived by two sons, Donald R. “Butch” Kozitka, of Staples; Duane (Natalie) Kozitka, of Zimmerman; six daughters,  Dawn Reierson, of St. Cloud; Ann (Denny) Rach, of Aitkin; Susan Paul, of St. Cloud; Carol (Gary) Larson, of Browerville; Patty Kozitka, of Aitkin; Belinda Kozitka, of Staples; one sister, Grace Stewart, Jerry McArdle, and David McArdle; 12 grandchildren, Paul, Chad, Adam, Steven, Matthew, Daniel, Justin, David, Anson, Benson, Heidi, and Amber; eight great-grandchildren, his foster family, Clarence and Christine Thornquist, and their sons, Delose and Donald.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Eva Medeck; Shirley Kozitka Oltman; two brothers, Raymond Kozitka; and Harold Kozitka.